Forlan may replace Cole

Alan Nixon
Monday 31 December 2001 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United are making a £6m bid for the Uruguayan international, Diego Forlan, to replace Andy Cole. The United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has made an official approach for the 22-year-old striker, who plays for the Argentinian side Independiente. The club's chief executive, Peter Kenyon, met the middle men Pini Zahavi and Ronan Katzev last night.

United are close to Zahavi, the Israeli who was part of the deal to sign Juan Sebastian Veron. Lazio are also in the hunt, but United look favourites.

Forlan, who has scored 11 times in the Argentinian league this season, has impressed United's scouts and the club have been checking that he has a European passport, having been informed that he is of Italian background. If he signs by the end of January he will be eligible for the Champions' League.

Forlan is a younger alternative to West Ham's Paolo Di Canio, the subject of United interest for months. At 33, Di Canio's age is against him, along with a projected £3m fee. He is, however, eligible for the Champions' League, making him a possibility if Forlan proves too dear.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in